another wheel bearings question

In the process of repacking the wheel bearings on the cat ,I found that the Front bearing came from Russia and the back from China, My neighbor that works at the parts house said "they would be fine for the camper runing up to the lake " then I told him I was headed for yellowstone (3200 miles round trip) he really pushed some made in the USA bearings and would sell them at his cost around $30 per wheel . Have any of you that travel long distance had trouble with the over seas bearings?
Also has any one ever used a synthetic grease like royal purple on the cats wheel bearings?

Great stuff for grease.

I would think if you inspected the bearings, and they look good, I'd just repack and continue on your way. Mine are also made in China, and so far, so good.

Dont know anything about the grease, I use THIS and it seems to work good.

The difference in quality of a cheap china bearing and bearings from other countries is unbelievable.

I had a German and USA made bearing of the exact same number as the el-cheapo junk chinese bearing that came in my Cat. I would bet the china bearing was not even half the weight of the other two and the cage was thin as paper. I could actually bend the bearing cage with my hands.

My "USA made" Polaris ATV came with junk china wheel bearings. They only lasted a few months. I replaced them with a quality Japanese bearing from Honda and they're still perfect after two years and many hours riding.

No question about it for me. I'll not waste my time repacking a china bearing. They will simply be replaced.

oldelmer1 wrote:I would think if you inspected the bearings, and they look good, I'd just repack and continue on your way. Mine are also made in China, and so far, so good.

Dont know anything about the grease, I use THIS and it seems to work good.

Yes great stuff. Mine is purple.

Timken, I guess there still made in the USA. Thats what I replaced mine with. And yea theres a difference.
I've always used the Chevron Red Grease. Buy it by the case from the distributor. Only other grease I use is Blue Bell Ray grease in the dirt bikes and boat trailer..

Thanks for all the input on this.. Changed out the bearings and used the purple stuff .One of the China bearings where kind of discolored in places don`t know if it got hot or just came that way anyway it is gone... saved one set for a spare on the road ,,,and hope I never need it ..

Thanks All,,,

If it was black marks ,,,, it was get'n HOT spots. Might have just had some dust / grime mixed in the grease.
Definately a good Idea to keep a spare set of bearings and a brass punch to knock'em in with.